Health and Aging: Avoiding Environmental Hazards

Maintaining an active lifestyle throughout one’s life, and continuing those practices in later life, is very beneficial for humans. However, there are several environmental factors that effect individuals of all ages, especially the elderly. Pollution is an example of this. Furthermore, one of the major negative effects of aging is the increased susceptibility to health issues, such as lung diseases or heart conditions. The combination of debilitating environmental conditions, coupled with a weaker immune system and functioning capabilities, can worsen an individuals’ health substantially. These environmental factors can eventually lead to ailments that are very serious and potentially life threatening.

So here we are faced with a dilemma. It is important to stay active in later life, but doing so may cause individuals to become exposed to environmental risks that can, in fact, worsen their health. What should be done? Luckily, there are organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which among other things, helps provide resources, advice, and factual information to many groups of individuals, including the elderly.

Outdoor air pollution is a risk that should be considered for individuals who suffer from lung and heart issues. However, contrary to popular belief, pollution does not only occur outdoors. There are many indoor pollutants that can harm individuals, particularly the elderly. This is important to note, considering elderly individuals spend about 80-90% of their time indoors. Some things ageing individuals can do to prevent indoor air pollution are avoiding tobacco smoke, or smoking outside if they must do so, reducing mold and dust from one’s home, keeping pets out of sleeping areas, annually checking heating units, fixing water leaks properly, and checking the Air Quality Index.

With many resources and sources of good information, the elderly population should be able to help prevent themselves from falling at risk to the environment in which they live.